December 15, 2015

Tooth fillings in Rocky River restore decaying teeth. Lifelike and metal-free composite material brings tooth structure back to full form and function.

What’s the big deal about a little cavity? Plenty is the answer. Sticky plaque and hard tartar from the foods we consume harbor acid-secreting bacteria that eat holes in the mineral matrix dentists call tooth enamel. Rocky River tooth fillings restore teeth to their structural best.

Root canal infection, like many oral health issues is more devastating because these infections are usually preventable. At Dr. William L. Eick’s Rocky River, OH dental practice, we emphasize preventive dentistry to avoid extensive procedures such as root canal therapy. When the alternative is an extracted or severely compromised tooth, root canal therapy is a safe, effective means of preserving dental structure. Most root canal infection occurs due to tooth decay or trauma, and in both cases, there are typically steps that can be taken to avoid the necessity of root canal treatment.(more…)

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October 20, 2015

If you have a missing tooth, or several missing teeth, then you need to replace those teeth for cosmetic and health reasons. Obviously, a missing tooth mars your smile. In addition, however, having even one missing tooth can lead to dietary problems—you may not be able to eat a healthy and balanced diet—and there may be consequences to your self-esteem and confidence, too. Of course, you have options when it comes to choosing a tooth replacement. Among those options, a dental implant is the most lifelike in both form and function.(more…)

September 11, 2015

Many people have heard of a root canal before but knowing why a patient is in need of one is often confused. Tooth decay is a constantly trying to hold your teeth ransom. Brushing and flossing help tooth decay from overpowering your teeth, as well as coming in for a general checkup. However, there may be tooth decay that you’re missing during your brushing and flossing routine or you simply can’t see it because it’s located in a hard-to-see area of the mouth. When tooth decay becomes excessive, it can invade your tooth and leave your oral health in shambles.

At our office in Rocky River, OH, we offer gentle root canal treatment for patients that are experiencing extreme tooth pain caused by excessive tooth decay. A cavity is the most common result of tooth decay that hasn’t been properly treated. Though they vary in size and scope, cavities all share the same tooth-destroying properties that can leave your oral health hanging in the balance. Dr. Eick is the dentist Rocky River residents can trust to deliver maximum comfort for a deep cavity. Root canals are a common procedure and shouldn’t be feared. We’re well aware of the stereotype root canals receive, but technology has advanced over the years to where treatment isn’t painful.(more…)

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Do the words natural, functional, or comfortable come to mind when you hear the word, “dentures?” Probably not. For years, dentures have been perceived as being bulky, making eating and speaking more difficult, and slipping and sliding uncomfortably. Possibly worst of all, dentures were obvious. You knew right away if someone was wearing them. Innovations in dentistry allow your Rocky River, OH dentist, Dr. William Eick, to create custom dental prosthetics to not just replace your teeth, but to restore your smile to its natural beauty. If you’re unhappy with your current dentures or are in need of dentures, call our office to schedule a denture consolation. (more…)

Tooth loss affects millions of Americans and is most often caused by advanced periodontal disease. When you lose a tooth, the entire dynamic of your bite changes, frequently leading to future problems that could have been avoided had the tooth been replaced in a timely manner. At the Rocky River, OH dental office of Dr. William Eick, our team offers a comprehensive range of restorative dentistry solutions for patients with missing teeth, including dental implants.

Do I Really Need to Replace a Lost Tooth?

A common question we hear at the office is, “The tooth I’m missing is way in the back. Why do I need to replace it?” While it is true that a missing front tooth is considered highly unattractive and socially unacceptable, replacing posterior (back) teeth is just as important. A missing tooth anywhere in the mouth can lead to a variety of problems, including:

Diminished chewing ability

Nutritional issues due to difficulty eating

Bone loss in the jaw, resulting in the loss of additional teeth

Remaining teeth begin to tip, rotate, and migrate

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)

Decreased facial height over time, causing a sunken appearance

Fortunately, dental implants effectively prevent all of these complications, replacing not only the missing root within the jaw but the crown as well. The implant stimulates the jaw bone, preventing further tissue loss and restoring your smile in a way that looks and feels completely natural. Dr. Eick will work with you to develop a restorative treatment plan that specifically addresses your goals, giving you the strong and healthy new smile you deserve.

Schedule Your Dental Implants Consultation

If you are missing one or more teeth and you want to learn more about your restorative dentistry options, please don’t hesitate to contact our office today. Our entire team is committed to helping each of our patients achieve healthier, more beautiful smiles, and we’d love to do the same for you. Conveniently located in Rocky River, OH, Dr. Eick’s office proudly serves patients from communities in Westlake, Fairview Park, Lakewood, and more. Explore the possibilities afforded by dental implants, and see what an incredible difference our advanced technology can make for your smile.

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With preventive dentistry services like routine exams, cleanings, and patient hygiene education, Dr. Eick and dentists all across America help their patients preserve the health and beauty of their natural teeth. When these proactive measures aren’t enough to save those teeth, however, restorative dentistry becomes necessary in order to reestablish oral health, dental function, and aesthetic appeal. One of the ways that we help our Rocky River, OH patients reclaim the form and function of their smiles following tooth loss involves the use of dental implants and implant-retained dentures.

Comprehensive Tooth Replacement Solutions

In the past, men and women suffering from total tooth loss were offered limited options regarding replacement of their dentition. While traditional dentures and partials do offer sufficient bite strength and stability for some patients, many others discover that wearing these removable prosthetics leads to embarrassment, diminished facial contours, considerable discomfort, and difficulty when eating or speaking. With implant-retained dentures, these and other problems associated with removable dentures are no longer a concern. Your lifelike, customized replacement teeth are firmly anchored in place with biocompatible dental implants, each of which is secured within the bone of the jaw for unparalleled stability.

The first step to determining your candidacy for dental implants or implant-retained dentures is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Eick for your consultation. Our primary goal during this consultation is to give you the information and counsel you need to make an informed decision regarding your oral health. In addition to performing a thorough exam and providing you with your restorative options, Dr. Eick will happily answer any questions you may have about implants or your proposed procedure.

Discover the Benefits of Dental Implants with Dr. Eick

Whether you currently wear traditional dentures or you are considering a removable prosthesis as your tooth replacement solution of choice, we invite you to contact us today to learn more about your options. With decades of experience and a genuinely caring, patient-centric approach, Dr. William Eick is your trusted source for all restorative, cosmetic, and general dentistry services in Rocky River, OH. Ask our team about implant-retained dentures, and find out if you are a good candidate for this effective, increasingly popular restorative solution to missing teeth. Our office is privileged to serve patients from throughout Rocky River, Fairview Park, Lakewood, Cleveland, Westlake, and beyond.

Cracked teeth, also known as tooth fractures, may range from painless, minor chips in enamel to serious cracks that compromise the root and the viability of the tooth as a whole. At William L. Eick, DDS in Rocky River, OH, Dr. Eick and his experienced team offer an extensive selection of restorative dentistry solutions, including diagnosis and treatment of cracked teeth. Today, we’d like to address and explain some of the most common causes, complications, and treatment options for tooth fractures.

Repairing Cracked Teeth in Rocky River, OH

The type of repair needed for a cracked tooth is contingent upon the cause of the injury, the location of the fracture, and the depth to which it extends toward the root. Some of the most common causes of cracked teeth include:

Teeth grinding or clenching; this places an excessive amount of force on the teeth

Biting down on something hard, including ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, hard candies, and non-food items like pens or product packaging

Trauma to the mouth or lower jaw

Large or ill-fitting fillings that weaken enamel

Sudden, extreme changes in temperature within the mouth

Advanced periodontal disease; bone loss within the jaw can compromise structural integrity of the teeth

If a portion of your tooth breaks off and you are able to locate it, use a sterile saline solution or clean water to gently clear it of any debris and place it in a container of milk until you can reach our office. As a general rule of thumb, always wear an athletic mouthguard when participating in sports, and never use your teeth as tools to open packages or remove price tags from clothing. Though tooth enamel is the most highly mineralized substance in the human body, it is far from indestructible.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Cracked Teeth

Cracked teeth that are left untreated may result in increased sensitivity, pain while chewing, and even the need for extraction. This is why acting promptly is such an integral component in successful treatment. A visual exam and x-rays are used to diagnose the type of crack in any tooth. Depending on the severity of the fracture, Dr. Eick may recommend one or more restorative solutions, including dental bonding, a filling, endodontic treatment, a crown, or dental veneers. Our team is always ready to discuss your restorative options with you to formulate a treatment plan that best suits your unique needs.

What to Do if You Have a Cracked Tooth

In many cases, a cracked tooth can be treated and saved before more serious, irreparable damage is sustained. If you notice a crack or chip in any of your teeth, no matter how small it may seem, please do not hesitate to contact our office immediately to schedule an appointment with Dr. Eick. From our comfortable, welcoming dental practice in Rocky River, OH, we happily serve patients from throughout nearby communities in Cleveland, Fairview Park, Lakewood, Westlake, and the surrounding areas. Dr. Eick is genuinely committed to helping his patients and their families achieve and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles with exceptional cosmetic and restorative dental care.